Sharing the Way

In many ways, living the Way is sharing the Way; it’s called Evangelization by witness of life. But we are also called to evangelize others through specific efforts. A major part of that mission is forming our children in the faith. Again, the Emmaus Disciplefest is our central effort oriented toward helping parents pass on the faith to their children. For those with younger children, up to and sometimes including middle school aged children, parents work together with their children to complete the learning objectives. We do this in an effort to provide a model which parents and children can practice in the home, the primary school of the faith.

We also conduct Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) programs for Pre-K through 3rd Grade aged children. In addition to CGS, Scripture Club is offered for 4th through 5th grade children. Life’s Questions & Scripture’s Answers program is available for Middle School aged youth. This orientation toward Scripture is designed to help our young disciples learn the stories of the faith and help them identify and talk about the Lord’s presence in their lives. For High School aged teens and young adults the program Growing High School and Young Adult Disciples is also offered.

In our sacramental preparation programs, particularly for Marriage, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, Infant Baptism and Youth Confirmation we try to emphasize encounter with Christ and living the sacrament out in our day-to-day lives. To the extent possible, these programs are conducted in the families of the child being prepared; or, with one of our parish families if it is an adult being prepared. This comes from our belief that Faith is personal and is better passed on from person to person rather than through impersonal programs.

Our Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program is oriented toward bringing adults into the Faith or helping Catholics complete their Sacraments of Initiation. It is conducted in a small group format which includes instruction and faith sharing. It is known for being a process through which individuals recognize the presence of the Lord in their lives and discover ways of acknowledging and responding to the Spirit’s urgings.